THE definitive guide to the biggest companies in Wales will be published in the Western Mail next Wednesday.

The Wales Top 300, 2005 publication, in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the University of Glamorgan will again rank companies on latest end of year turnover figures.

This year the turnover threshold for inclusion is up on 2004, from #15.52m to #16.25m.

The listings will also pre-tax profit, employment and profit margin figures for each company.

The combined turnover of the Top 300 companies this year is #24.5bn - with a combined workforce of 152,881.

In terms of profit, this year 243 companies (81%) are noted as trading in the black - slightly up on 2004 when the level was 235 (78%).

This year's 10 companies between them generate 36% of the total turnover of the 300, at #8.9bn.

This is now the sixth year that the Business School at the University of Glamorgan has joined forces with the Western Mail and PwC to assist in the production of publication.

Professor David Brooksbank of the Business School said, "The Top 300 includes not just those firms who have registered offices in Wales, but also a larger number with trading addresses or significant operations in Wales.

"I believe that over the years the Top 300 has grown from strength to strength in terms of its coverage and accuracy and reveals a far clearer picture of the face of Welsh business than any other comparable listing.

"This year there are number of new entries and together with some stunning examples of growth from previous entrants, the list is a testament to the contribution of the business sector to the Welsh economy. "However, continued uncertainties about the economic and political environment, together with global terrorism and military conflict in the Middle East has led to a low rate of business investment.

"Several long-serving compa-nies in the listing have now unfortunately gone, with Cardiff-based Nippon Electric Glass being a notable recent example.

"However, there are also new areas of growth, especially utilities and technology-based companies.

Growth has also been seen in the financial services sector, with the contribution of Lloyds TSB of particular note.

Regional chairman of PwC Stephen Harrison said, "It is our belief that this publication provides the reader with an insight into the local economy, as well as offering a first-class guide to Wales' top companies.

"Many of the businesses in the Top 300 have taken the corporate social responsibility agenda firmly on board.

"Not only are these companies important wealth creators for their shareholders and employees, but they also play a vital part in the fabric of the communities in which they reside. For businesses in Wales this has to be the way forward in further achieving responsible, competitive and successful businesses that help build our communities."